2018 Volkswagen GTI recalls and problems

The 2018 Volkswagen GTI has 3 safety recalls and 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer.

Urgent: recall 18V-369 carries a "do not drive" warning. Contact a dealer before driving.
Recalls
3
Complaints
17
Crashes / fires
2 / 0
Injuries / deaths
2 / 2

Recalls may cover only some 2018 Volkswagen GTI vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2018 Volkswagen GTI recalls

Recall 24V-110: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Feb 14, 2024 · 261,257 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-647 will need to have the new remedy completed. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 16V-647.

Recall 19V-615: Electrical System, Steering

Reported Aug 22, 2019 · 679,027 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."

Risk: Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.

Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.

Recall 18V-369: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Do not driveReported Jun 1, 2018 · 10,225 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, Passat, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI and Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake performance.

Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners. Audi dealers will bleed the rear brakes. Volkswagen dealers will bleed the front and rear brake calipers. Note: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the brake system has been checked. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 47N8, 47N9, and 47N6.

2018 Volkswagen GTI problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Service Brakes6
Engine4
Power Train3
Unknown or Other2
Electrical System2
Structure2
Tires1
Wheels1
Visibility1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 2
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 10,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2018 Volkswagen GTI complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Sep 15, 2026
On 8/23/2026, my vehicle experienced severe vibrations and unusual noise after load crack sound while driving. We discovered that the factory motor mount (metal arm) was completely Brocken off (picture in attachment) and required immediate replacement to ensure the safe operation of the vehicle. Also bolt thread in the engine support was damaged.
Structure · reported Mar 4, 2026
I am reporting a water intrusion issue involving the rear hatch area of my 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn. Water leaks into the vehicle through the hatch wiring boot area and travels into the interior of the car, causing the headliner to become saturated with water. During periods of rain or after washing the vehicle, water enters near the rubber hatch wiring boots and leaks into the interior roof area. The vehicle has two rubber hatch boots (left and right) that route wiring harnesses from the body to the liftgate. These harnesses carry wiring for several rear hatch components including…
Service Brakes · reported Apr 2, 2025
During moderate braking, the ABS system was violently pulsing the brakes on the left front wheel. This occured on about one dozen braking events over a 5-7 mile distance. Afterwards upon inspection, the left front brake smelled and radiated intense amounts of heat. There were no Warning Lights displayed at any time during or after. The tires, original equipment size, are almost brand new. All tires were at recommended air pressure. A Volkswagen dealer will inspect the vehicle today. The ABS hydraulic assembly is suspect. The vehicle has 46,000 miles and has had its brake fluid replaced in the…
Service Brakes · at 28,675 miles · reported Oct 19, 2020
6/1/20 brakes good measured 8 (In the green) this is when I received a new water pump (I know! Under warranty issue also imo). Milage 25490. September got new tires. Anti lock brakes went off right a way x2. 10/10/20 took car in for 30,000 mile check at 29,053 miles. Brakes measured at 3. Mckenna suggested new brakes(Pads, rotors) $700.00. What would cause brakes going from 8 to 3 in 4 months? I have concerns with antilocking brakes. I believe they are too sensitive and caused brake issues
Structure · at 21,115 miles · reported Apr 10, 2020
Vw corporation did not honor their warranty on my 2018 vw, gti. My 2018 vw, gti was parked, and I was inside the vehicle, when the sunroof spontaneously shatter. The sunroof was not hit by any debris. The 2018 vw gti is still under warranty so I took the damaged vehicle to ourisman vw of laurel. Ourisman vw stated that vw declined to honor warranty because they said it was it by a rock. The roof was not hit by anything. Vw stated that as a gesture of good faith because I had been a loyal customer, they would picked up 40% of the repair cost. I picked up 60% of the cost, $3,239.38. I'm filing…

Other Volkswagen GTI years

Compare all Volkswagen GTI years · All Volkswagen models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Volkswagen GTI have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Volkswagen GTI: 24V-110 (fuel system, gasoline), 19V-615 (electrical system, steering), 18V-369 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 Volkswagen GTI?

Owners report service brakes problems most often (6 reports), followed by engine (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 10,000 miles.

Are Volkswagen recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volkswagen dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.